A GLAFS student (hereafter called “S”); 1st year master’s student at The University of Tokyo participating in the Gerontology Network for the first time.
A Gerontology Network Member (hereafter called “JN”) from Itoki Research Institute, Gerontology Network Member for three years. |
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This was my first time to participate in the Gerontology Network and I was amazed to see rival companies get together and exchange information. Participants did not keep information from others nor did they behave in a self-centered manner. They exchanged information outside their groups to take advantage of new business opportunities. There was a good atmosphere. |
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Thank you. I attended lectures from professors and researchers at the UT with topics like “What is gerontology?” at the time when the Gerontology Network was called the “Gerontology Consortium.” This was during the first two years. Then we drew up a scenario about what a super-aging society might be like. Because we had previously shared time together, we were able to maintain a common image among members. This image is to understand changing social needs and seize opportunities. |
時代の変化を読み、チャンスを捉える
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It was difficult for me to join the “Gerontology Network” since it was hard for me to paint a precise picture for it. From the student perspective, we see that automobile companies join the Gerontology Network since they would like to design “automobiles for the elderly.” I am not an Engineering student, so I feel I have nothing to do with the Gerontology Network Group and step back. |
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d the objective of joining the Gerontology Network is not only to make technical developments but also to consider the possibility of what kind of value they could offer to super-aging societies. |
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Within the distribution industry, for example, there are companies which are not willing to go into the retail industry. Why would you be interested in offering the values to a super-aging society instead of engaging in core business? |
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There is a corporate domain for each company, so it is reasonable to expect that there are companies only interested in main stream business. It is difficult to go into domains outside the primary business, but it is also crucial to anticipate changes. |
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I see. |
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For example, the lecture by Mr.Koyama from Kobushien on the first day was “Practical models for a community based comprehensive care system .” As you have said, the main business of my company is not related to medical businesses. Likewise, there is no working group in the Gerontology Network focusing on medical business. |
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That is correct. |
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However, when it comes to comprehensive community care service systems, the subject of homecare services becomes apparent. After that is the problem of homecare services, mobility, and transportation. When talking about medical treatment coordination, the term “ICT” is also involved. In other words, many points were included in Mr. Koyama’s lecture. Each member of the Working Group understood the lecture from his or her own viewpoint. Mr. Koyama talked about his world view and I think everybody was inspired by him. |
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I see. But after the lecture there was no discussion regarding that. I think we were supposed to hold a new round of talks and it would be a waste not to discuss it further. |
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It is not that we must reference Mr. Koyama’s lecture immediately, but it should be done at some point in the future. We should be aware of these elements and we should take advantage of the opportunity to gain insight at some point.
Since the theme of the lecture in the Gerontology Network general meetings is always “Aging in Place – Towns where people are able to continue to live,“ all the lectures will be related in some way.
The issue is how and when you see the essence.
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I see.。 |